Lois and Carolyn, thanks for the beta...you’re the greatest!
Author’s Comment: Sorry to keep you waiting so long. Thanks for hanging in there with me through all the delays. So picking up where we left off in our story…
Chapter 66 - Babylon Awaits!
Late Saturday Evening…(Day 48)
Brian and Justin were still spooned together in front of the fire at the mansion. They were talking easily as they stretched across one of the oversized chairs and ottoman. Justin rested comfortably against Brian’s chest while Brian had Justin wrapped within his arms.
Paul and Jason were clothed in heated robes after their turn in the downstairs hot tub. They were totally relaxed as they made their way into the living room to join Brian and Justin.
“Well there you are. Molly was beginning to wonder if we were going to have to rescue you two and would need to use her newly acquired life-saving skills,” Justin teased.
“Jason and I were so relaxed that we got to talking, and I guess we just lost track of time,” Paul explained, snuggling into the added comfort of his robe. He was truly enjoying his robe wrapped around his body after the relaxing time in the hot tub.
“Easy to do, I guess,” Brian said with a smile, thinking of all the times he and Justin had talked in the hot tub. “Of course, the blond here has such sensitive skin that we don’t get to stay in the hot tub very long,” he added with a laugh. “But we do try to slip into the swirling waters more frequently to make up for it.”
“I never realized how wonderful it could be,” Paul remarked.
“So I guess it’s time for us to get ready to go to Babylon, isn’t it?” Jason commented sheepishly. “I’m with Emmett, I can hear that thumpa thumpa calling.”
“You quoting Emmett? That’s a first. A few minutes ago, you were worried that he and Nicky were going to run off together,” Paul couldn’t resist teasing.
“Paul!” Jason protested.
“Emmett is one of a kind…Gus is crazy about him too,” Justin added with a smile. “Emmett is sooooo over the top, what kid wouldn’t be captivated?”
“We have friends that are queens, but Emmett is truly in a class by himself. I really do like him,” Jason had to admit.
“Speaking of Nicky and Gus, where is everyone?” Paul finally asked.
“They can’t be too far away since they rarely let Jus out of their sight,” Jason teased.
“Their affections were easily transferred. They are curled up in the media room with Mom and Molly. I’m not sure leaving them together while we go to Babylon is a good idea,” Justin added.
“Needless to say, Jennifer has been telling Gus and Nicky about Justin when he was their age. Obviously, Sunshine isn’t thrilled so he’s been sulking,” Brian revealed, wrapping his arms around Justin.
“I have not been sulking,” Justin protested. “It’s ok if Nicky and Gus hear this stuff…but Mollusk is in there too. She is never going to let me forget anything that she hears,” Justin said woefully, snuggling closer to Brian for comfort as he contemplated his life going forward.
“I wouldn’t worry about it,” Brian reassured him, “Our being in New York, should give her time to forget whatever she’s heard.”
Paul couldn’t resist a laugh at the last statement. He reflected for a moment growing up with Gabrielle. Paul could have told Brian that little sisters never forget. They simply file information away to be called forth when unsuspecting older brothers least expect it…waiting for that moment of greatest embarrassment. He understood that Justin had every reason to be concerned, but he also understood that neither Brian nor Jason would ever understand it. “Obviously spoken confidently by someone without a little sister,” Paul finally had to say. “Have you forgotten Gabrielle?”
“Oh please, Gabrielle says that she has to constantly defend herself from you…using whatever tactics are at her disposal,” Jason reminded him.
“See how sneaky they are?” Paul continued. “They even make your partner think that you’re at fault. I just want you to know, Jus, I’m on your side. I fully understand,” he added sympathetically.
“Thank you, Paul. It’s good to know that someone understands,” Justin said with vindication, hitting Brian for good measure. “You don’t see it, because Mollusk is crazy about you,” he finally pointed out to Brian.
“Can I help it if your sister has great taste?” Brian asked, beaming with pride.
Deciding this conversation was rapidly deteriorating, Justin just shook his head. “Babylon…” he simply said in reply.
“I’ve been so looking forward to this,” Jason remarked.
“I must admit…me too,” Paul added.
“Well I guess that’s our cue to get ready,” Brian commented.
“I guess we should tuck in the kids first,” Paul suggested.
“Gus and Nicky announced that they are staying up late tonight. This obviously means that they are probably already asleep since it’s way past their bedtime,” Brian said with a laugh. “I guess you’re right…we should carry them to their beds as we go upstairs.”
“This weekend has been such an adventure for Nicky,” Jason said with a smile, “ I can’t wait until we go on vacation together.”
“Hopefully, Gus will get to go on vacation with us too,” Jason added hesitantly.
“We’ll have to wait and see. The Munchers did say they would think about it,” Brian added hopefully.
“You know our trip isn’t too far off,” Jason reminded them. “It’s just a few months. I can hardly wait.”
“Which means that someone needs to be locked away his studio…” Brian began to make his point, jostling Justin a bit for good measure.
“Will you stop worrying? I’ll have my application for the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana ready to be shipped this week.” Justin reassured him.
“I wasn’t worried,” Brian professed, but unfortunately, no one believed him.
“Babylon!” Justin said, reminding everyone of the task at hand. He stood up and gently tugged at Jason to get him moving.
“Paul and I will grab the kids…then we’ll be up to get ready,” Brian added.
***
Jennifer put her fingers to her lips as Brian and Paul entered the media room.
Molly couldn’t resist a quiet laugh. “Sure, Gus and Nicky were going to stay up late. I knew they wouldn’t last,” she teased. “But they looked so comfortable, I didn’t have the heart to wake them up.”
“I know they do look like angels when they sleep,” Paul commented, as he gently lifted Nicky, “But they both can be such devils when they’re awake.”
“What kind of a parent are you? That’s a terrible thing to say about your kid,” Molly said in mock horror.
“The kind with a clear perspective on his kid,” Jennifer said quickly. “I have so often thought the same thing as I’ve watched Molly and Justin sleep.”
“Mom, how can you say that?” Molly protested.
“Oh please, don’t get me started. You’re already in so much trouble, Dear,” Jennifer reminded Molly. Jennifer smiled to herself as she watch the expression on concern float across her daughter’s face. Being absolutely content, Jennifer turned to Paul to continue making her point. “If my kids are any indication, you have a lot to look forward to,” she continued to tease.
“Brian, help me out here,” Molly said pleadingly.
“I’ve done all I can do here, Molly. I’m simply going to retrieve Gus. You’re going to have to get yourself out of this one,” Brian said, giving her a gentle kiss on the cheek before picking up a sleeping Gus.
Jennifer couldn’t contain the big smile on her face as she saw the worried look continue on Molly’s face. Yes, she was enjoying this little moment of watching Molly squirm.
Gus and Nicky easily settled into their fathers’ arms, snuggling in to make themselves more comfortable but not waking up completely as they were carried upstairs.
Paul and Brian carefully got the kids into their pajamas and gently tucked them into bed. Then the fathers simply smiled at each other as they were leaving the room.
Paul and Brian each headed for their respective bedrooms to change. As they were in the hallway, Paul quietly whispered to Brian, “Thumpa thumpa”.
“Oh no, not you too,” Brian rolled his eyes in mock protest.
“You have to admit the clarion call is very strong. I’m looking forward to seeing Babylon again,” Paul revealed.
Brian just laughed as he entered his bedroom to get dressed for the Babylon.
***
A little over an hour later, Brian parked the SUV at Babylon.
“I can’t believe that you have your own parking space here at the club,” Paul said, shaking his head.
“Ownership has its privileges,” Brian teased.
“Don’t pay any attention to him, Paul. He hardly ever uses his parking space at the club. We usually just park on the street and walk back to the club like everyone else. He’s just parking here tonight to impress you,” Justin revealed.
“Sunshine!” Brian protested.
“Oh, give it up Brian,” Justin reminded him.
“Well now that you mention it…you never really know who will just happen to walk by that will change your life forever,” Brian couldn’t resist saying as he looked over at Justin. And in his mind, the night he first met Justin became the most vivid of images.
“I don’t know,” Justin answered, “You talk to a stranger, you never know where it can lead.” Justin too was thinking about that night of first meeting Brian.
Brian smirked finally and said, “Since I seem to have lost my chance for anyone to come along…I thought I might as well use the convenience of my parking space at the club.”
“Brian!” Justin protested as he gave Brian a well-deserved hit. Paul and Jason couldn’t contain their laughter watching their friends.
Everyone piled out of the SUV and headed around to the front entrance of Babylon.
Brian looked at the long line of people waiting, as he slid his arm around Justin’s waist. The group finally reached the entrance and security at the door simply smiled and greeted Brian and Justin as they let the foursome pass.
As they entered Babylon, Jason was already bouncing to the thumpa thumpa. He reached out and grabbed Justin by the hand, “Shall we show them how it’s done?” he asked, leading a surprised Justin to the dance floor.
Paul and Brian looked at each other, shaking their heads.
“Let me buy you a drink,” Brian said with a laugh, “Since we appear to have lost our partners.”
The two of them proceeded to the bar. As they arrived, the bartender smiled and without asking, a glass of Beam suddenly appeared in front of Brian.
“Now where did that come from?” Brian teased. “I thought I could sneak into the club without anyone knowing I was here.”
The bartender laughed. “Are you kidding? With the rumors that we’ve heard, I guess that should really be champagne. I must say that you and Justin really surprised us all.”
“Oh?" Brian said nonchalantly.
“Good news travels fast,” Paul said, carefully watching Brian to see his reaction to the comment. “I think I’ll join you in one of those,” he added, pointing to the glass of Beam.
The bartender quickly poured a second drink and passed it to Paul. Then he turned once again to Brian and said, “But don’t worry. We won’t create a scene. We all value our jobs too much to make a fuss, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t really happy for you and Justin. You’re a very lucky man.”
“I’d have to agree with that,” Paul added, lifting his glass in a mock toast.
“What are we celebrating here?” Ted asked as he approached Paul and Brian at the bar. “Hello Paul, I heard you were in town.”
“Hi Ted, it’s been a long time, I’m glad to see you.” Paul commented. “ I was just noticing all the changes that have been made since the last time I was here.”
“Why don’t you let me give you the guided tour…so you can get a closer look before all the crowd in the line outside gets admitted,” Ted suggested.
“See Brian, another tour guide. Now I get a chance to gush over things. Thank you, Ted,” Paul couldn’t resist commenting. Then he turned to Brian and said, “Are you going to be alright if I leave you alone?”
“Trust me, he’ll be just fine,” Ted said with a knowing smile.
“I’m sure I’ll be able to find someone who’ll want to dance with me,” Brian smirked.
“Is that an offer, Sweetie?” Emmett asked as he swirled into the group ready to lead Brian to the dance floor.
“I think I’ve suddenly lost my urge to dance,” Brian quipped back mournfully.
“I don’t think I like your attitude,” Emmett responded playfully.
Seeing that Brian was no longer left alone, Ted and Paul went on their tour of Babylon.
“Since I have to put up with you, should I order you the usual drink?” Brian asked.
“That would be a nice gesture. Thanks,” Emmett said, accepting his usual Cosmopolitan. “I see that Jason and Justin are on the dance floor. They’re dancing up a storm.”
“Jason kidnapped Justin as soon as they were inside. I’m keeping an eye on them though.” Brian said to reassure Emmett that he was ready to intervene at a moment’s notice. “So did you find anyone interesting?”
“No, Drew won’t be back until tomorrow,” Emmett added. “So tonight I’m just here solo to hang out with Teddy. Did you notice that long line outside?”
“Who could miss it?” Brian responded.
“They must have all heard that you and Justin were here,” Emmett teased.
“Of course they did. Why else would they be here?” Brian said with a laugh.
Brian and Emmett chatted easily, until a very winded Paul and Ted returned to join them.
“Thank you for the dance, Ted. It’s been a long time. Jason and Justin don’t seem to be slowing down any time soon,” Paul added with a laugh. “Thanks for the tour too…it was good to gush with someone who understands.”
Ted couldn’t resist a laugh. “My pleasure.”
“Well, Teddy, now that you’ve been properly warmed up. How about a dance?” Emmett asked.
“I think I can do it all again.” Ted answered. “See ya later, Bri,” he added as he was whisked away by Emmett.
“I love the changes you made to the place. Babylon is still so you. And with the changes, you really put your imprint on things. I see the Brian Kinney touch everywhere,” Paul pointed out.
“I had to do it this way. After the bombing, I couldn’t let the bastards win. I thought about selling this place. The renovations kept me busy when Justin first went away. Now, I’m glad that I still own it.” Brian said quietly. “It’s still fun to come here with Justin.”
Paul simply smiled. “I think Jason and Jus have had enough time to dance with each other. Don’t you agree? Shall we go and claim our partners?” Paul asked Brian and then waited for a response.
Brian couldn’t resist a smile, for he was thinking the same thing…but he was trying to be polite. “That sounds like a good idea,” he added sternly, as he and Paul headed for the dance floor.
Brian and Paul danced through the congestion on the main dance floor at the club until they reached Jason and Justin. Then they each slid in behind their respective partners, continuing to move to the beat of the music.
Justin and Jason each responded by leaning back and then turning into the arms of their partner…for each of them now had the dance partner that they really wanted.
To the casual observer no one would suspect that these were two couples…where the partners had been together for years…for it was obvious that the heat and passion still existed between them.
There was a whispered buzz on the dance floor as the other dancers noticed Brian and Justin dancing.
Brian simply smiled as he pulled Justin closer to him while they danced. As Justin snuggled in, even closer, Brian wrapped his arms tightly about his partner. The other dancers could definitely feel the heat that was Brian and Justin.
***
Ted and Emmett sauntered off the dance floor to grab water from the bar. They were laughing and talking as they approached the bar so they didn’t pay any attention to who was waiting for them.
“Someone seems to be having a good time,” a cheerful voice said.
Ted turned to see who was speaking. “Ben…Michael, what are you doing here?”
Totally surprised, Ted and Emmett greeted their friends.
“You never said anything about coming to Babylon tonight,” Emmett added.
“Ben said that primitive tribes believe in the curative powers of dance. I’m not so sure, but I’m here to give it a try,” Michael said skeptically.
“These tribes have been adhering to that custom of the dance for centuries. So shall we give it whirl,” Ben said, holding out his hand to Michael.
Michael and Ben headed for the dance floor, leaving Ted and Emmett alone to stare at each other.
“Well that was sure a surprise,” Emmett commented. “I guess everything must be ok now between them if they’re here at Babylon. Did you know that they were coming?” he asked.
“No, it’s as much a surprise to me as it is to you, but what has you so concerned,” Ted asked, but still so adept at reading his best friend after all these years.
“Brian told Michael the news about him and Justin. Michael has been upset all day. He hasn’t been dealing well with the idea of a legally committed Brian and Justin. Debbie’s really concerned too.” Emmett remarked.
“Ben must have talked some sense into Michael. They seem to be ok…don’t you think? I wouldn’t worry about it,” Ted responded, motioning to the bartender to give him two bottles of water.
“Yeah…but since Michael didn’t tell us that he was coming…I bet he doesn’t know that Brian and Justin are here. I’m not sure I like the feel of this,” Emmett cautioned.
“Em, please. Can we save the drama queen moment? As big as Babylon is, Brian and Justin can easily move around here without running into Michael and Ben…especially when they aren’t looking for each other.” Ted pointed out.
Emmett took a sip of his water and tried to believe what Ted was saying. But the more he thought about it…the more Emmett had to wonder. For Emmett had seen Michael earlier today, and he wasn’t sure that someone could do an about face so quickly…especially Michael.
Still Emmett tried to be optimistic. “Sure, Teddy. I guess you’re right,” Emmett finally said, always hoping for the best.
Their conversation was interrupted as Paul and Jason returned to the bar for their own bottles of water.
“Emmett, what’s wrong?” Jason asked, “What happened to that bright eternal flame? Did Ted wear you out on the dance floor?” he teased.
“I thought I saw Michael,” Paul added by way of a random comment.
“You must be mistaken,” Jason added. “He couldn’t possibly be here.”
“I’m afraid he is. He and Ben were on their way to the dance floor. Where are Brian and Justin?” Emmett asked.
“They are headed for the bathroom; they should be here any minute,” Jason revealed.
“Look, if Michael is here, we need to try to see that he doesn’t get a chance to get to Brian. Brian talked to Michael earlier today and he was very upset afterwards. It’s been an enjoyable day for Brian so far. I don’t want Michael to upset him again,” Paul insisted.
“Aren’t you over-reacting just a tad? Michael and Brian have been dealing with each other for years. Believe me, Brian knows how to handle him,” Ted reassured them.
“I don’t know. Like I said earlier, Michael has had a difficult time all day dealing with Brian and Justin’s news. So…” Emmett added.
“That’s ok. I understand,” Paul said quietly. “I was hoping that you two would help…but either way Jason and I will do our best to keep them a part. Like I said, I don’t want Brian upset,” he added firmly.
“You obviously feel pretty strongly about this,” Emmett observed, clearly noting Paul’s concerns. “Don’t worry, we’ll help in any way we can, won’t we Teddy? But Paul, you have to realize that they will see each other tomorrow at dinner.”
“I know. Then Brian will probably be prepared for that. I just don’t want him to have to deal with Michael when he’s simply out for a little fun with Justin,” Paul insisted. “I know Brian can handle things. I just don’t think that he should have to.”
“Ok, Teddy and I will see what we can do to help. This is not going to be easy!” Emmett pointed out.
“I know. I guess it’s ok if they see each other. I just don’t want them talking to each other…not tonight.” Paul further clarified.
“Alright Paul. We’ll do our best. Surely, the four of us can handle this,” Ted agreed.
“Let’s hope so,” Jason added, already starting to look around, trying to figure out where each of the characters were located at this precise moment.